Recovery Coaching

There is a great amount of stigma associated with substance use. Many are reluctant to get the help they need because of the shame associated with admitting there is a problem. On top of their own shame, might be the confusion about what is normal drinking, and where is the line to abuse or even dependency. The term recovery coaching tends to have less stigma than if someone says they are seeing a therapist. It is an effective tool that is used for substance use management.

There is a number of similarities between recovery coaching and counselling. Recovery coaches have credentials and training, however, they are not trained in diagnosis, mental health or social assessment, or addressing trauma. They stick to helping those who are in recovery. They do not focus on the past, as they are more interested in helping people with present day issues and make plans for a healthier future. Recovery coaching focuses on motivating people towards remaining clean and drug free, or not engaging in a process addiction. A recovery coach helps people identify goals and then reach those goals. A recovery coach can help you remove any barriers that get in your way and reach your goals. One of the main difference between a counsellor and a recovery coach is the accountability you will receive. You will set goals or commit to something and the coach will check in with you. Especially in the field of addiction and substance use, this is a very helpful tools.

Oftentimes when you are in recovery and hit barriers in your life, you may feel overwhelmed or hopeless, which can lead you back to their addiction. A coach can help you through those moments and setbacks so that you do not turn back to your addiction.  Progress not perfection is a good saying as well as "Easy does it" or "how important is it". The coach can help keep you focused on your goals and not to allow setbacks to stop your progress. A recovery coach will listen to you and help you gain a better understanding of your feelings, sort through them, yet realize that feelings are not reality and don't need to get in the way of a clean, sober and healthy life. In addition, a recovery coach helps you to find ways to approach achieving your goals. Creative approaches, out the box thinking about what you need and what your personal plan is, or how it can be tweaked to make it work, are hall marks of coaching. Recovery coaching is present centered, goal orientated, and more direct and is more aimed towards longer term support.

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Useful links:

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https://www.mentalhelp.net/addictions/

https://www.recoveryanswers.org/